Introduction to Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the hottest technology in health IT today, with most health systems having begun deploying systems with AI components, at least in pilot stages. However, it’s still early days in the development and evolution of AI in healthcare. Tom Kiesau, chief innovation officer and leader of digital and technology transformation at Chartis, a prominent healthcare consulting firm, has a long-term vision for AI’s opportunity and promise in the industry.
The Vision for AI in Healthcare
Kiesau’s vision includes addressing the nation’s rapidly aging population amid ever-increasing financial pressures, focusing on both clinical AI and operational AI, creating and evolving AI operating models and governance, and inventing different approaches to how healthcare is delivered because of AI’s constantly advancing capabilities. This vision is crucial as it outlines the potential of AI to drive fundamental transformation in the healthcare system.
Key Areas of Focus for AI in Healthcare
There are several key areas of focus for AI in healthcare, including:
- Clinical AI: This involves the use of AI in clinical decision-making, diagnosis, and treatment.
- Operational AI: This involves the use of AI in operational aspects of healthcare, such as administration and management.
Both clinical and operational AI will need to be advanced to realize the promise of AI in healthcare.
Evolution of AI in Healthcare
As AI continues to evolve, health systems will need to create and constantly update their AI operating models and governance to fully utilize AI. This is due to the technical realities of AI, as well as the emerging landscape of legal and ethical concerns. In 2024, a majority of health systems were already piloting or scaling AI initiatives, indicating a significant shift towards the adoption of AI in healthcare.
Impact of AI on Healthcare Delivery
Meaningful industry impact will require entirely different approaches to how healthcare is delivered, thanks to AI’s constantly advancing capabilities. This could involve new methods of diagnosis, treatment, and patient care, all of which will be driven by the power of AI.
Recent Developments in AI for Healthcare
Recent developments in AI for healthcare include the creation of AI algorithms to detect sleep disorders, the use of AI to improve full-body MRIs, and the exploration of AI in predicting patient outcomes. These advancements demonstrate the vast potential of AI to improve healthcare outcomes and efficiency.
Conclusion
In conclusion, AI has the potential to drive fundamental transformation in the healthcare system, addressing the nation’s rapidly aging population and ever-increasing financial pressures. By focusing on clinical and operational AI, creating and evolving AI operating models and governance, and inventing new approaches to healthcare delivery, we can unlock the full potential of AI in healthcare.
FAQs
- What is the current state of AI in healthcare? Most health systems have begun deploying AI systems, at least in pilot stages.
- What are the two principal vectors for AI deployment in healthcare? Clinical AI and operational AI.
- Why is it important to create and evolve AI operating models and governance? To fully utilize AI and address technical, legal, and ethical concerns.
- What is the potential impact of AI on healthcare delivery? AI could require entirely different approaches to how healthcare is delivered, driven by its constantly advancing capabilities.
- What are some recent developments in AI for healthcare? These include AI algorithms for detecting sleep disorders, improving full-body MRIs, and predicting patient outcomes.
